Processes for a PCW Certification

PROCESSE (PCW) CERTIFICATION

«The Leather 2040 – Pact for the Care of Water (PCW) certification» covers various actors in the supply chain in the leather industry, from manufacturers to consumers. Each has a set of specific standards to ensure sustainability in water use and responsible management of water resources.

Leather Manufacturer Standard

Leather manufacturers play a crucial role in the production chain, and to obtain PCW certification, they must comply with strict requirements that ensure sustainability in the tanning process. Among the most notable standards, the following are included:

1. Efficient Water Management: Manufacturers must implement water recycling and reuse systems at all stages of production. This includes the installation of advanced technologies to reduce water consumption and improve the efficiency of the tanning process.

2. Wastewater Treatment: It is mandatory for manufacturers to have treatment plants that ensure that the water leaving the facilities is purified and free of contaminants. These plants must comply with international quality standards, minimizing the environmental impact.

3. Technological Innovation: The adoption of modern machinery that reduces the use of chemicals and water consumption is a key requirement. Clean technologies, such as chrome-free tanning or the use of biological agents, are essential to obtain certification.

Standard for Manufacturers

Leather product manufacturers are also subject to rigorous standards to obtain PCW certification. These standards ensure that the entire production process, from leather transformation to final manufacturing, is environmentally responsible:

1. Leather Traceability: Manufacturers must ensure that the leather used comes from factories certified under PCW standards, guaranteeing that the entire process complies with sustainability regulations.

2. Optimisation of the Production Process: Garment manufacturers are required to implement practices that reduce water waste in the garment process. This may include using efficient machinery and adopting cutting and assembly methods that optimise resources.

3. Sustainable Working Conditions: In addition to environmental requirements, garment manufacturers must comply with ethical labour standards that promote safe and fair conditions for workers involved in production.

Standard for Traders

Traders of leather and leather products also play an important role in promoting sustainability within the industry. To obtain PCW certification, they must ensure that the products they sell meet established ecological and ethical standards:

1. Responsible Sourcing: Traders must verify that all their suppliers, whether leather manufacturers or garment manufacturers, are certified by the PCW. This ensures that the products they offer to the end consumer have been manufactured in a responsible way with the use of water.

2. Information Transparency: It is imperative that retailers provide clear information to consumers about the origin of products, highlighting sustainability efforts and the positive impact of certification on the supply chain.

3. Encourage Sustainable Consumption: Certified retailers must implement educational campaigns that encourage conscious consumption among their customers, promoting products that respect water care and environmental protection standards.

End-Customer Standard

The consumer is an integral part of the sustainability ecosystem in the leather industry. Although customers are not directly responsible for production, their demand for sustainable products is crucial to the success of «The Leather 2040 – Pact for the Care of Water (PCW) certification». Customers can actively support the Water Care Pact through:

1. Informed Choice: Customers should seek out and prefer products that are PCW certified, which ensures that they have been manufactured under sustainable practices that minimize water consumption and pollution.

2. Support Sustainable Brands: Consumers can influence the industry by supporting brands that are committed to certification and transparency in their production practices. This includes brands that not only offer responsible products, but also promote green innovation.

3. Education and Outreach: Consumers play an important role in educating themselves about the importance of sustainability in the leather industry and spreading that information across their networks, generating greater social awareness about the positive impact of certified products.

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